Aerosol actuator assembly

ABSTRACT

An aerosol actuator assembly is provided which is functionally improved, aesthetically superior and capable of manufacture at a cost which is economically competitive. The actuator comprises a cap member and an actuator button concentrically mounted therein. The button moves axially within the cap member to effect dispensing of aerosol formulation and, when the button is rotated, a spout thereon engages a stepped configuration on the cap member whereby the button is either locked in a nondispensing position or moved to a position wherein dispensing is enabled. The cap member comprises a double-walled configuration with an inner wall firmly engaging an aerosol container and an outer wall shaped to blend with the container to effect a streamlined contour.

United States Patent [72] Inventors Gilbert S. Jordan Monroe;

Paul H. Mohr, Chappaqua, both of N.Y. [21] Appl. No. 767,714 [22] FiledOct. 15, 1968 [45] Patented Sept. 28, 1971 [73] Assignee Union CarbideCorporation New York, N.Y.

541 AEROSOL AcTUAToii AssEiviBLY 4 Claims, 7 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl ZZZ/402.11 [51] Int. Cl 865d 83/14 [50] Field of Search 222/l 82,

, 402.l,402.ll,402.l3,320,321,526,537

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,887,273 5/1959 Anderson etal... ZZZ/402.11 X 3,006,510 l0/l961 Sagarin ZZZ/402.13 3,225,96612/1965 Sagarin ZZZ/402.13 X 3,249,260 5/l966 Goldberg My 222/l 823,415,426 12/1968 Kleveland 3,450,299 6/1969 Barbera 222/182 7 FOREIGNPATENTS 980,662 1/1965 Great Britain 222/182 Primary Examiner-Robert B.Reeves Assistant Examiner-Frederick R. I-Iandren Attorneys-Paul A. Rose,John F. I-lohmann and Alfred Musumeci ABSTRACT: An aerosolactuatorassembly is provided which is functionally improved, aestheticallysuperior and capable of manufacture at a cost which is economicallycompetitive. The

actuator comprises a cap member and an actuator button con-PATENTEDsEmIsn sum 1 or 2" INVENTORS GILBERT 5. JORDAN L H. MOHRPATENTED SEP28I9TI 3508.791

SHEEI 2 [IF 2 I I I I I I l I I I I I l INVENTORS GILBERT s. JORDAN 7 IPAgAL H. MOHR y 5* TTORNEY AEROSOL ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY The presentinvention relates to aerosol dispensing systems and more particularly toan actuator structure for an aerosol container.

Aerosol dispensing systems generally comprise a can or container withinwhich is stored an aerosol formulation to be dispensed. A valve assemblyfixedly mounted within the container operates to release aerosolformulation from within the container through a valve stem whenappropriately actuated. Actuation of the valve stem is effected throughan actuator assembly which is mounted upon the container top in aposition overlying the valve stem. The actuator assembly comprisessuitable means including an actuator button which, when manipulated bythe user, effects actuation of the valve stem thereby enabling emissionof aerosol formulation from the valve stem through the actuator internalstructure for dispensing and eventual use.

The actuator assembly of an aerosol system is usually required to serveseveral important utilitarian functions, the primary function, ofcourse, being to provide means whereby the valve stem of the aerosolcontainer may be selectively actuated by the user for dispensing aerosolformulation when desired. However, another important aspect of theactuator assembly relates to the role that such an assembly fulfills inproviding an aerosol dispenser which is stylistically attractive andaesthetically appealing. Aerosol formulations in most cases relate toconsumer items involving household or personal use. As such, the aerosoldispenser must provide an appropriately attractive appearance to enhancethe marketability of the product by appealing to a prospective purchaserthereof. Such purchaser appeal can be a crucial factor in the commercialsuccess of the product.

An additional significant consideration relates to the manufacture ofthe actuator assembly particularly the ease and cost with which suchitems can be produced. Actuator assemblies are usually molded ofthermoplastic resinous materials, and it is necessary that thestructural configuration thereof be such that there can be provided therequired performance and versatility of operation with enhancedaesthetic appeal. However these features must be provided in a structurewhich is configured and arranged to permit molding in a relativelysimple and economic manner. Inasmuch as cost is a crucial factor in anyaerosol system component, the most desirable actuator arrangement wouldbe one which provided all of the features enhancing performance andappeal of the aerosol dispenser at a cost which would not beprohibitive.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide animproved aerosol actuator assembly featuring enhanced operational andutilitarian aspects with an appealing external appearance which involvesease and simplicity of manufacture and which can be produced at acommercially acceptable cost.

Briefly, the present invention may be described as an actuator assemblycomprising a cylindrical double-walled cap member including internal ribmeans supporting a concentrically arranged button surrounded by said capmember and axially slidable relative thereto. Stepped means on said capmember cooperate with a radially extending spout formed integrally withsaid button in a manner whereby rotation of the button effects switchingof said aerosol dispenser between a condition wherein it is locked in anondispensing position and a condition wherein it may be moved to adispensing position. An interchangeable nozzle insert is removablymounted within said spout and the entire assembly is mounted upon anaerosol container to produce a smooth, modernistic cylindrical contour.

A better understanding of the invention may be had by reference to thefollowing detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof takenin connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective illustrating the actuator arrangement ofthe present invention mounted upon an aerosol container;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of an aerosol container having theactuator assembly of the present invention mounted thereon;

FIg. 3 is a top view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the actuator assembly of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 66 of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the actuator assembly of the presentinvention depicting the interior structural arrangement thereof.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals representsimilar structural elements, the actuator assembly of the presentinvention is depicted as comprising two basic structural elements, a capmember 10 and an actuator button 12 mounted upon an aerosol containerI4. The actuator button 12, when in the appropriate radial position, ismovable vertically relative to the cap member 10 to effect actuation ofthe valve stem of the aerosol container 14, in a manner to be more fullydescribed hereinafter, thereby to effect dispensing of the aerosolformulation.

The cap member 10 is generally cylindrical and comprises an upper, flatannular surface 16 shaped to provide stepped means defined by a pair ofvertical walls I8 and 20, and a pair of horizontal step surfaces 22 and24. v

The actuator button 12 comprises an outer cylindrical surface 26 whichis surrounded by the annular surface 16, and an upper recessed surface28 which is recessed to enable comfortable manipulation of the actuatorbutton 12 by a user. The cylindrical surface 26 terminates at a radiallyextending, quadrilaterally shaped spout 30 which includes a removableinterchangeable nozzle insert 32. The spout 30 includes a recess definedby vertical walls 34 and 36 and horizontal walls 38 and 40, with therecess thus defined being dimensionally proportioned to receive thereinin tight frictional engagement the nozzle insert 32. The insert 32comprises an exit orifice defined by conically shaped surface 42 with aninternal con duit 44 extending with a right-angle turn through button 12through which aerosol formulation flows from the stem of the aerosolcontainer 14 terminating at the apex of conical surface 42. Although theembodiment of the present invention depicted and described hereinillustrates the nozzle insert 32 as comprising a conically shapedorifice, it is to be understood that inserts 32 are interchangeable andthat a variety of appropriately shaped alternatives are possible. Theshape and configuration of the exit orifice means provided will dependupon the particular spray pattern desired. It will be clear that byexerting an appropriate outward pull or force, the insert 32 may beremoved from the recess in the spout 30 and another insert substitutedtherefor, with the substituted insert comprising exit orifice meansshaped and configured to adapt the spray pattern to the particularaerosol application or use involved.

The insert 32 comprises a rearwardly extending cylindrical nose 33 whichdefines a conduit 44a, which is an extension of and aligned with conduit44. The nose 33 fits snugly into a recess in button 12 defined by acylindrical wall 35. The interfitting arrangement of nose 33 and recess35 enables positive alignment of conduits 44 and 440 as well as aleakproof engagement between button 12 and insert 32.

The cap member 10 is molded from thermoplastic resinous material in adouble-walled configuration including inner cylindrical wall 46 andouter concentric cylindrical wall 48 each of which has, respectively, abottom beveled surface 50 and 52. The inner cylindrical wall 46 hasintegrally formed thereon four spaced guide ribs 54 each of whichincludes a bearing surface 56 in slidable engagement with the outercylindrical surface 26 of actuator button 12.

The actuator button 12 is basically constructed with a singlecylindrical wall 58 upon which outer surface 26 is formed, and

a centrally disposed downwardly extending cylindrical tube 60 defininginternally .thereof conduit 44 and including an enlarged diametercylindrical recess 62 at the lower extremity thereof. A plurality ofinternal rib means 64 integrally formed between the upper portions ofwall 58 and tube 60 provide structural rigidity and support for theactuator button 12. An enlarged rib 66 through which the conduit 44extends is positioned internally of wall 58 and in alignment with spout30.

The actuator assembly of the present invention is mounted upon anaerosol container in the manner indicated in FIG. 6 wherein the aerosolcontainer 14 is shown in dotted form with the actuator assembly of theinvention held in operating position upon container 14 by frictionalengagement between an upper rim 68 and the inner cylindrical surface 70of inner cylindrical wall 46. Additionally, an actuator-locking ring 69is provided upon surface 70 to effect a more secure engagement of thecap member 10 upon container 14. The actuator assembly of the inventionand the aerosol container 14 will thereby be held firmly together notonly by frictional engagement between rim 68 and surface 70, but also bythe locking feature whereby locking ring 69 tends to prevent rim 68 frommoving exteriorly of cap member 10. When mounting the actuator assemblyupon the container 14, beveled surface 50 which first engages the rim 68facilitates the insertion of the rim to within surface 70 by providing asurface of gradually decreasing diameter. The locking ring 69 isadaptable to permit passage thereby of rim 68 by the application ofsufficient force when assembling the container and actuator. When in theoperative position, the lower extremities of ribs 54 will engage theupper surface of rim 68 thereby acting as stop means preventing furtherinsertion of the rim 68 into the cap member 10 beyond the desiredposition, and the rim 68 will be held between ribs 54 and ring 69. Thebeveled surface 52 slopes to a point contact with the outer surface ofcontainer 14 and thereby provides a smooth, streamlined effect for theaerosol dispenser.

With the actuator assembly in position upon the container 14, a valvestem 72 protruding from the upper end of container I4-and centrallydisposed thereon will engage the lower portion of tube 60 by extendingto within the cylindrical surface 62. The diameters of stem 72 ansurface 62 are such that a tight frictional engagement occurstherebetween, with a pair of flat, planar surfaces 73 extending towithin the cylindrical surface 62. The diameters of stem 72 and surface62 are such that a tight frictional engagement occurs therebetween, witha pair of flat, planar surfaces 73 extending in facing relationshipalong two sides of the vertical portion of conduit 44. Surfaces 72terminate at surface 62 thereby forming two flat surfaces 74 whichdownward movement of the button 12 will transmit a downward force byengagement between surfaces 74 and stem 72 to depress the stem 72 andthereby to cause emission of aerosol formulation from stem 72 intoconduit 44. The stem 72 is spring biased toward the upper ornondispensing position. The actuator button 12 is guided in its verticalmovement by the surfaces 56 of ribs 54. A user wishing to dispenseaerosol formulation when applying a downward force upon recessed surface28 will cause the actuator button 12 to slide downwardly along thesurfaces 56 thereby to depress stem 72 by engagement thereof by surfaces74. With the button 12 held in the downward position, aerosolformulation will flow from stem 72 into conduit 44 and through the exitorifice defined by conical surface 42 to be dispensed therefrom. Whenthe user releases the downward force upon recessed surface 28, thespring bias of the stem 72 will drive the actuator button upwardly tothe nondispensing position. Accordingly, it will be clear that theactuator button 12 is freely slidable in both vertical directions withthe surfaces 56 of ribs 54 serving as guideways for said motion and withthe button 12 being driven downwardly by a user for dispensing purposesand returned to the upward nondispensing position by the spring bias ofstem 72. Furthermore, the tight frictional engagement between surface 62and stem 72 tends to keep the button 12 in place within cap member 10.

In addition to being vertically movable within the guideways provided bysurfaces 56, actuator button 12 is also rotatable therein withing alimited degree of angular motion. The limits of this rotative angularmotion are depicted in FIGS. 1 and 5, with the condition shown in FIG. 5being the condition wherein dispensing may be effected and the conditionshown in FIG. 1 being the condition wherein the dispenser is locked inthe nondispensing position. With the actuator button 12 in the positionshown in FIG. 5, which is the extreme counterclockwise position asviewed in FIG. 3, the wall 20 of cap member 10 acts as a stop abuttingthe spout 30, with the spout 30 being free to move in a downwarddirection for a distance terminated when the spout 30 engages thesurface 24 and cap member 10. When the actuator button 12 is released bythe user the spring force of stem 72 will drive the actuator button 12to an upward position.'When in the upward position, the button 12 may berotated clockwise to the position shown in FIG. 1. In this position thespout 30 will be directly above the surface 22 with a side thereofabutting the sidewall 18 which acts as a stop, and with downwardmovement of the actuator button 12 being prevented by engagement ofsurface 22 with the bottom surface of spout 30. Accordingly, when inthis position, downward movement of the button 12 is prevented therebypreventing accidental or unintended dispensing of the aerosolformulation.

The actuator of the present invention includes detent means whichcomprise a ridge 76 formed upon outer surface 26 of actuator button 12,and a pair of notches 75 and 77 formed in surface 24 of cap member 10.Ridge 76 engages either notch 75 or 77 to hold button 12 either in thecondition where dispensing is enabled or locked in the nondispensingposition. With ridge 76 in the position shown in FIG. 7 engaging notch77 the actuator button 12 is held in the position wherein dispensing isenabled since counterclockwise rotation thereof, as viewed, in FIG. 7,is impeded by engagement of the ridge 76 with the notch 77. When it isdesired to rotate the button 12 in a counterclockwise direction, asviewed in FIG. 7, it becomes necessary for the user to apply a slightrotative force to drive the ridge 76 into engagement with notch 75thereby placing the spout 30 directly above the surface 22 and radiallylocking the actuator button 12 in a nondispensing position. When rotatedby the user in this fashion the engagement of ridge 76 with the notches75 and 77 as it passes from one notch to the other will effect aclicking sound thereby giving an audible indication of the radialmovement of the button 12. Accordingly, it will be clear that by virtueof the engagement between ridge 76 and one of the notches 75, 77, theactuator button 12 may be held in either one of two angular positionsthereby to avoid inadvertent rotation thereof to either the positionenabling dispensing or to the position preventing dispensing.

A significant aspect of the present invention is the doublewalledconfiguration of the cap member 10. As previously pointed out, member 10is a molded plastic piece. As a result of the molding process, the ribs54 which are formed integrally with the inner cylindrical wall 46 willproduce a disfiguration upon the outer surface of wall 46. Inasmuch asone of the more important achievements of the present invention isconsidered to be the improved appearance of the aerosol dispenserprovided by utilization of the invention, the disfiguration caused bythe presence of ribs 54 would produce unac ceptable results. Therefor,in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the capmember 20 is provided with a second outer wall 48 which can be producedwith a smooth outer surface free of the disfiguration resulting from thepresence of the ribs 54. A further significant aspect and advantage ofthe present invention pertains to the overall configuration of theaerosol dispenser which is produced by the structural combination of theactuator assembly including the cap member 10 and the aerosol container14. It will be noted that a smooth, streamlined, continuous cylindricalshape is provided by the structural interrelationship between container14 and cap member 10. Inasmuch as these elements together produce asmooth form, they can be manufactured to appear as one continuous body,particularly if they are made from similar. materials. Furthermore, thestepped-locking feature provided by the interrelationship between spout30 and the steps formed by surfaces 22 and 24, produces a functionalresult of significant value while simultaneously providing an externalappearance and configuration which exhibits an appealing, modern designenhancing the aesthetic appeal of the item to a potential purchaser.

Accordingly, it will be clear that the present invention provides aaerosol actuator assembly combining aesthetic appeal and attractivenesswith enhanced functional performance.

' Not only does the embodiment of the invention include operationalfeatures advancing the usefulness of the dispenser, but it achieves thiswith an external design and appearance which is attractive and modern ina structure which may be manufactured at a cost which does not detractfrom a potential commcrcial success thereof.

We claim:

1. An aerosol actuator assembly comprising a molded plastic cap membergenerally cylindrical in configuration adaptable for mounting upon anaerosol container including a valve stem, said cap member comprising aninner cylindrical wall engaging said container to effect firm mountingof said actuator assembly thereon, an outer cylindrical wall concentricwith the closely spaced to said inner wall having an externalconfiguration blending with the external configuration 0 said containerto effect a unitary appearance therewith, longitudinal rib meansintegrally formed 0 the interior side of said inner wallcircumferentially spaced to define a guideway, an actuator buttonincluding valve-stem-engaging means movably mounted within said capmember and operable to effect movement of said valve stem between adispensing and nondispensing position, said rib means extending aboutsaid actuator button in engagement therewith to guide and supportmovement thereof within said guideway, stepped means defined by theexternal contour of said cap member for controlling movement of saidactuator button, conduit means defined by said actuator button guidingflow of aerosol formulation from the valve stem of said container fordispensing, spout means formed integrally with said actuator buttonthrough which said conduit means extend engaging said stepped means in amanner whereby rotation of said actuator button to a first angularposition causes said stepped means t block movement of said actuatorbutton to a dispensing position and whereby rotation 0 said actuatorbutton to a second angular position enables movement thereof to adispensing position, detent mans comprising a longitudinally extendingridge formed on said button member separate from and below said spoutmeans, and a pair of notches 20 in said cap member upon the edge of ahorizontal wall thereof, said ridge engaging said notches and movablebetween a first and secondposition relative thereto, said first andsecond relative positions corresponding, respectively, t said first andsecond angular positions of said actuator button whereby frictionalengagement between said ridge and said notches tends to resist rotationof said actuator button and provides an audible indication of movementof said button between said first and second angular positions.

2. An actuator assembly according to claim 1 wherein the externaldiameter of said cap member is equivalent to the external diameter ofsaid aerosol container whereby wen mounted thereon said cap member formstogether with said container the appearance of a continuous rightcircular cylindrical shape.

3. An actuator assembly according to claim 1 wherein said stepped meanscomprise a first level and a second lever, said spout means beingmovable into alignment with either one of said levels by rotation ofsaid actuator button.

4. An actuator assembly according to claim 1 wherein said actuatorbutton is generally cylindrical in configuration with said spoutcomprising a quadrilateral configuration extending radially therefrom,said button being smaller in diameter than said cap member and mountedconcentrically therewith.

215; UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No.3,608,791 Dated September 28, 1971 In e t Gilbert S Jordan and Paul H.Mohr It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patentand that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 5, line 25, "6" should read --of-- Column 5, line 27, "0" shouldread -on-- Column 6, line 5, "t" should read --to-- Column 6, line 7,'0" should read --of-- Column 6, line 9, "mans" should read --means--Column 6, line 11, "20" should read --formed-- Column 6, line 15, "t"should read -to- Column 6, line 23, "wen" should read --when--.

Column 6, line 28, "lever" should read --level- Column 6, line 33,insert --meansbetween "spout" and "comprising".

Signed and sealed this 5th day of December 1972.

(SEAL) I Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissionerof Patents

1. An aerosol actuator assembly comprising a molded plastic cap membergenerally cylindrical in configuration adaptable for mounting upon anaerosol container including a valve stem, said cap member comprising aninner cylindrical wall engaging said container to effect firm mountingof said actuator assembly thereon, an outer cylindrical wall concentricwith and closely spaced to said inner wall having an externalconfiguration blending with the external configuration of said containerto effect a unitary appearance therewith, longitudinal rib meansintegrally formed on the interior side of said inner wallcircumferentially spaced to define a guideway, an actuator buttonincluding valve-stem-engaging means movably mounted within said capmember and operable to effect movement of said valve stem between adispensing and nondispensing position, said rib means extending aboutsaid actuator button in engagement therewith to guide and supportmOvement thereof within said guideway, stepped means defined by theexternal contour of said cap member for controlling movement of saidactuator button, conduit means defined by said actuator button guidingflow of aerosol formulation from the valve stem of said container fordispensing, spout means formed integrally with said actuator buttonthrough which said conduit means extend engaging said stepped means in amanner whereby rotation of said actuator button to a first angularposition causes said stepped means to block movement of said actuatorbutton to a dispensing position and whereby rotation of said actuatorbutton to a second angular position enables movement thereof to adispensing position, and detent means comprising a longitudinallyextending ridge formed on said button member separate from and belowsaid spout means, and a pair of notches formed in said cap member uponthe edge of a horizontal wall thereof, said ridge engaging said notchesand movable between a first and second position relative thereto, saidfirst and second relative positions corresponding, respectively, to saidfirst and second angular positions of said actuator button wherebyfrictional engagement between said ridge and said notches tends toresist rotation of said actuator button and provides an audibleindication of movement of said button between said first and secondangular positions.
 2. An actuator assembly according to claim 1 whereinthe external diameter of said cap member is equivalent to the externaldiameter of said aerosol container whereby when mounted thereon said capmember forms together with said container the appearance of a continuousright circular cylindrical shape.
 3. An actuator assembly according toclaim 1 wherein said stepped means comprise a first level and a secondlevel, said spout means being movable into alignment with either one ofsaid levels by rotation of said actuator button.
 4. An actuator assemblyaccording to claim 1 wherein said actuator button is generallycylindrical in configuration with said spout means comprising aquadrilateral configuration extending radially therefrom, said buttonbeing smaller in diameter than said cap member and mountedconcentrically therewith.